Spacer assembly for conductor bundle

ABSTRACT

A spacer assembly includes first and second clamping bodies. The first clamping body has a first slot therein and the second clamping body has an opening. A fastener is received by the first clamping body slot and the second clamping body opening to secure the first clamping body to the second clamping body such that rotation of the fastener moves the fastener in the first clamping body slot to move the first clamping body relative to the second clamping body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/473,987, filed on May 17, 2012 and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,412,493, whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/494,501, filed Jun. 8, 2011, the disclosures orwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/466,732, filed May 8, 2012 andentitled which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/493,592, which was filed Jun.6, 2011, discloses related subject matter and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a spacer assembly for aconductor bundle that maintains a minimum distance between receivedconductors. More particularly, the present invention relates to firstand second clamping bodies of a spacer that prevent movement of thefirst and second clamping bodies with respect to one another afterinstallation. Still more particularly, the present invention relates toa spacer assembly in which first and second clamping bodies connected bya fastener are movable with respect to one another without removing thefastener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the electrical utilities industry, conductor bundles can be used totransmit bulk power with reduced loss, thereby increasing transmissionefficiency. A conductor bundle is a series of two, three or fourconductors spaced apart by non-conducting spacers. Bundled conductorsare used on high-voltage power lines to help reduce energy losses (dueto the corona effect), audible noise and radio interference. As aresult, the conductor bundles improve the power transmission process.

However, one disadvantage associated with conductor bundles is that theyhave higher wind loading. The spacers must maintain separation betweenthe conductors of the bundle to prevent arcing, particularly duringhigher winds. Arcing can cause damage to equipment of the powerdistribution system. Accordingly, a need exists for a spacer assemblythat facilitates maintaining separation between conductors.

Spacer assemblies for conductor bundles exist in which two clampingbodies are slid toward one another and then secured together to spaceapart received conductors. A fastener is used to secure the two clampingbodies together. A disadvantage associated with such spacer assembliesis that the fastener must be removed from at least one of the clampingbodies to allow the clamping bodies to slide with respect to one anotherwhen opening or closing the spacer assembly. An operator in the fieldcannot secure the clamping bodies together if the fastener is dropped orlost. Accordingly, a need exists for a spacer assembly for conductormembers in which a fastener is not removed from either clamping body toopen or close the spacer assembly.

Accordingly, a need exists to provide a spacer assembly for a conductorbundle that is easy to install and maintains spacing between conductorsof a conductor bundle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a spacer assembly for aconductor bundle that maintains a predetermined spacing betweenconductors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spacer assemblythat is quick and easy to install.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spacer assemblythat prevents movement of first and second clamping bodies with respectto one another after installation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a spacerassembly in which clamping bodies connected by a fastener are movablerelative to one another without removing the fastener.

The foregoing objects are basically attained by a spacer assemblyincluding first and second clamping bodies. The first clamping body hasa first slot therein and the second clamping body has an opening. Afastener is received by the first clamping body slot and the secondclamping body opening to secure the first clamping body to the secondclamping body such that rotation of the fastener moves the fastener inthe first clamping body slot to move the first clamping body relative tothe second clamping body.

The foregoing objects are also basically attained by a spacer assemblyincluding first and second clamping bodies. The first clamping body hasa first threaded slot therein, a first outwardly extending tab and afirst longitudinally extending shoulder. The isosceles trapezoidprism-shaped protrusion extends upwardly from the first clamping body.The first slot is formed in the isosceles trapezoid prism-shapedprotrusion. The second clamping body has a threaded opening, a secondoutwardly extending tab and a second longitudinally extending shoulder.A fastener is received by the first slot and the opening to secure thefirst clamping body to the second clamping body such that rotation ofthe fastener moves the fastener in the first clamping body slot, therebymoving the first clamping body relative to the second clamping body. Thesecond shoulder movably receives the first tab and the first shouldermovably receives the second tab to further secure the first clampingbody to the second clamping body.

The foregoing objects are also basically attained by a method of spacingconductors in which a first clamping body is connected to a secondclamping with a fastener. The fastener is rotated in a first directionto rotate one of the clamping bodies towards the other clamping body tosecurely receive a conductor therebetween.

Objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,”“lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptorsare intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, and are not intended to limit the structurethereof to any particular position or orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above benefits and other advantages of the various embodiments ofthe present invention will be more apparent from the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and fromthe accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a spacer assembly in accordance with afirst exemplary embodiment of the present invention receiving twoconductors;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a partial front elevational view of an alternative rib incross section of one clamping body;

FIG. 2B is a partial front elevational view in cross section of a rib ofone clamping body of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are partial side elevational views of protruding pins ofthe upper clamping body;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1without the conductors;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the bottom of the spacer assembly ofFIG. 1 without the conductors;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view in cross section of the spacerassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view in cross section of the spacerassembly of FIG. 3 in the open position;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view in partial cross section of a clamping bodyof the spacer assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side elevational view of the spacer assembly ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a fastener of the spacer assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view in cross section of the fastener ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 8 with a retainerdisposed thereon;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the fastener of FIG. 8 with firstand second retainers disposed thereon;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the fastener of FIG. 11 with firstand second retainers disposed thereon;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bolt of FIG. 11 with first andsecond retainers disposed thereon;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembled spacer assembly of FIG. 1without the conductors in a closed position;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view from the bottom of the spacer ofFIG. 1 without the conductors;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly in accordance with asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which theclamping bodies are spaced apart in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly of FIG. 16 in whichthe clamping bodies are in a closed position;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the spacer assembly of FIG.16;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view in cross section of the spacer assemblyof FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a second clamping body of thespacer assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the second clamping body of FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the second clamping body of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view in cross section of the secondclamping body of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a front plan view in cross section of the second clampingbody of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a first clamping body of thespacer assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the first clamping body of FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the first clamping body of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view in cross section of the firstclamping body of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view in cross section of the firstclamping body of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a partial side elevational view in cross section of a tab ofa clamping body; and

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a recess of a clamping body.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.1-15, a spacer assembly 51 is adapted to receive first and secondconductors 26 and 27 and maintain a fixed spacing therebetween. As shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, the conductors 26 and 27 are not insulated.Accordingly, maintaining a fixed spacing between the high voltageconductors 26 and 27 substantially prevents arcing and other dangerousand adverse electrical occurrences that can happen when the uninsulatedhigh voltage conductors move too close together. The spacer assembly 51in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention maintains a fixed distance between the uninsulated highvoltage conductors 26 and 27 to substantially prevent arcing and otherdangerous electrical occurrences from happening.

The spacer assembly 51 has a first clamping body, or an upper bodycasting, 1 and a second clamping body, or lower body casting, 2, asshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 15. The first clamping body 1 has a firstconductor receiving portion 6 at a first end of a connecting arm 3 and asecond conductor receiving portion 7 at a second end thereof. Theconfiguration of the first and second clamping bodies 1 and 2 can havevarious numbers and sizes of protruding ribs 11, as shown in crosssection in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B, a single rib 11extends along a longitudinal axis on an upper surface 61 of theconnecting arm 3. Alternatively, a pair of ribs 11 extends along outeredges of the connecting arm 3, as shown in FIG. 2A. A rib 63 issimilarly disposed on the second clamping body 2, as shown in FIGS. 2and 4, and extends outwardly from an upper surface 72 of a connectingarm 73 of the second clamping body 2.

The first clamping body 1 has a tapered protrusion 12 extendingoutwardly from and approximately centered on the upper surface 61 of theconnecting arm 3, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7. The protrusion 12receives a fastener, such as a bolt, 13, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5,7, 14 and 15. Preferably, the protrusion is an isosceles trapezoidprism. The protrusion 12 is preferably an isosceles trapezoid in sideview with included base angles of approximately 45 degrees. Accordingly,the preferred angles 34A and 34B between the side of the protrusion 12and the upper surface 61 of the connecting arm 3, as shown in FIG. 5, ispreferably approximately 135 degrees. The protrusion 12 has acorrespondingly shaped cavity 14, as shown in FIGS. 5, 5A and 15. Anouter surface 15 of the protrusion 12 has an elongated slot 16 throughwhich the fastener 13 travels, as shown in FIG. 5B. The elongated slot16 is disposed on one side of the protrusion 12, as shown in FIGS. 5Aand 7.

The fastener 13 has a first retaining groove 17 in the hex head portionof the bolt, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The fastener 13 can also have asecond retaining groove 18 in the unthreaded portion of the shank, asshown in FIG. 9. The fastener 13 has a counter bore hole 19 in the hexhead that facilitates, in addition to the retaining groove 17, thebreaking off of the top portion 20 of the fastener 13, as shown in FIGS.9, 11 and 13. The two-stage head 21 of the fastener 13 allows the topportion 20 to break away from the lower portion 53 during installation.

A first retainer 22 is disposed in the retaining groove 17 to preventthe tool, such as a wrench or socket, from making contact with thesecond stage (lower portion) 53 of the two stage head 21. Alternatively,the first retainer 22 can be any suitable member, such as an O-ring. Thetop portion 20 breaks off at a pre-determined torque. The pre-determinedtorque is required to apply the correct amount of pressure to theconductors. When the pre-determined torque is obtained, the top portion20 of the bolt 13 breaks off, thereby preventing too much pressure frombeing exerted on the conductors 26 and 27. The second stage (lowerportion) 53 of the fastener 13 is for opening the spacer assembly 51when required. The shank retainer 23 disposed in the groove 18 preventsthe fastener 13 from separating from the protrusion 12, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 11-13. A flat washer 24 is installed between the two stagehead 21 and the outer surface 15 of the protrusion 12, as shown in FIG.5A. The end of the fastener 13 has a thread 65 corresponding to afastener opening 29 in the second clamping member 2, as shown in FIGS. 5and 5A.

The second clamping body 2 has a first conductor receiving portion 76 ata first end of a connecting arm 73 and a second conductor receivingportion 77 at a second end thereof. A tapered protrusion 28 having athreaded fastener opening 29, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, extendsoutwardly from an upper surface 74 of the connecting arm 73. Preferably,the protrusion 28 is an isosceles trapezoid prism. The protrusion 28 isreceived in the cavity 14 of the protrusion 12 of the first clampingbody 1 with sufficient clearance, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A.

The second clamping body 2 has two long substantially oval-shaped slots30A and 30B, as shown in FIG. 15, disposed in the connecting arm 73. Atone end of each the slots 30A and 30B, there is a circumferential hole31A and 31B, as shown in FIG. 15. The first clamping body 1 has twoprotruding pins 32A and 32B, as shown in FIG. 15, extending outwardlyfrom a lower surface 67 of the connecting arm 3. The pins 32A and 32Bhave a larger diameter head 33A and 33B than shank of the pin. When thefirst clamping body 1 is assembled to the second clamping body 2, theprotruding pins 32A and 32B of the first clamping body 1 self-align withthe oval slots 30A and 30B of the second clamping body 2. The heads 33Aand 33B of the protruding pins 32A and 32B pass through thecircumferential holes 31A and 31B, respectively. The bodies of the pins32A and 32B move within the slots 30A and 30B to allow the first andsecond clamping bodies 1 and 2 to slide longitudinally with respect toone another without separating. The heads 33A and 33B of the protrudingpins 32A and 32B are larger than the widths of the slots 30A and 30B toprevent separation of the first and second clamping bodies 1 and 2.

When the spacer assembly 51 is assembled, conductor cavities 81 and 82are formed by the conductor receiving portions 6 and 76 and 7 and 77 ofthe first and second clamping bodies 1 and 2. The protrusion 28 of thesecond clamping body 2 is received in the cavity 14 of the protrusion 12of the first clamping body 1, as shown in FIG. 5A. The conductorcavities 81 and 82 can be increased or decreased by tightening orloosening the fastener 13. When the fastener 13 is tightened to closethe spacer assembly 51, the fastener 13 is positioned at the bottom ofthe elongated slot 16, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. When the fastener13 is loosened from the closed position of FIG. 5, the fastener 13travels to the top of the elongated slot 16, as shown in FIG. 5A. Theangles 34A and 34B of the protrusion 12 determine the travel of thefastener 13, as shown in FIG. 5. Smaller angles 34A and 34B increase thetravel length of the fastener 13 with respect to a larger angle, asshown in FIG. 5. Loosening the fastener 13 unthreads the fastener 13from the threaded opening 29 in the protrusion 28 in the second clampingbody 2. The shank retainer 23 prevents the fastener 13 from beingwithdrawn from the protrusion 12 of the first clamping body 1, therebycausing the first clamping body 1 to slide longitudinally to accommodatethe fastener 13 in the elongated slot 16. The pins 32A and 32B slide inthe slots 30A and 30B to further facilitate movement of the first andsecond clamping bodies 1 and 2 with respect to one another. This processis reversed when tightening the fastener 13.

A grommet 42 has a conductor groove 40, an outer circumferential surface39, a cavity 37 and contact surfaces 41A and 41B. The conductorreceiving portion 6 of the first clamping body 1 has a protruding bosssurface 36A and a circumferential cavity 38A, as shown in FIG. 14. Thecorresponding conductor receiving portion 76 of the second clamping body2 to form the conductor cavity 81 has corresponding features, as shownin FIG. 15. When the grommet 42 is installed in the first clamping body1, a cavity 37 formed in the grommet 42 engages the protruding bosssurface 36A and the circumferential surface 39 of the grommet 42contacts the circumferential surface 38A. A corresponding grommet 42 isengaged with the corresponding features of the second clamping body 2 toform a substantially cylindrical grommet in the conductor cavity 81, asshown in FIG. 2. An adhesive can be used to further secure the grommets42 to the clamping bodies 1 and 2.

The second conductor receiving portion 7 of the first clamping body 1has a protruding boss surface 36B and a circumferential cavity 38B, asshown in FIG. 14. When the grommets 42 are installed at the other end ofthe spacer, the cavity 37 of the grommet 42 engages the protruding bosssurface 36B and the circumferential surface 39 of the grommet 42 makescontact with the circumferential surface 38B of the second conductorreceiving portion 7 of the first clamping body 1. A correspondinggrommet 42 is engaged with the corresponding features of the secondconductor receiving portion 77 of the second clamping body 2 to form asubstantially cylindrical grommet in the conductor cavity 82, as shownin FIGS. 2 and 15. An adhesive can be used to further secure thegrommets 42 to the first and second clamping bodies 1 and 2.

In a second exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-31, a spacer assembly101 is adapted to receive first and second conductors and maintain afixed spacing therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conductors 26and 27 are not insulated. Accordingly, maintaining a fixed spacingbetween the high voltage conductors 26 and 27 substantially preventsarcing and other dangerous electrical occurrences that can happen whenthe uninsulated high voltage conductors move too close together. Thespacer assembly 101 in accordance with the second exemplary embodimentof the present invention maintains a fixed distance between theuninsulated high voltage conductors 26 and 27 to substantially preventarcing and other dangerous electrical occurrences from happening.

The spacer assembly 101 has a first clamping body, or an upper bodycasting, 102 and a second clamping body, or lower body casting, 103, asshown in FIGS. 16-19. The first clamping body 102 has a first conductorreceiving portion 105 disposed at an end of a connecting arm 104. Theother end of the connecting arm 104 has a second conductor receivingportion 106. The conductor receiving portions 105 and 106 are preferablysubstantially C-shaped and extend in opposite directions from theconnecting arm 104, as shown in FIGS. 18, 28 and 29. As shown in FIG.25, the first conductor receiving portion 105 extends downwardly fromthe connecting arm 104 and the second conductor receiving portion 106extends upwardly therefrom. Inner surfaces 153 and 154 of the conductorreceiving portions 105 and 106 preferably face the same direction, e.g.,to the right as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

A tapered protrusion 107 extends upwardly from an upper surface 108approximately mid-way along a length of the connecting arm 104, as shownin FIG. 16-19. Preferably, the protrusion 107 is an isosceles trapezoidprism. The protrusion 107 has an elongated slot 109 for receiving afastener 110, as shown in FIG. 16-19. Preferably, the protrusion 107 isan isosceles triangle with base angles of approximately 45 degrees.Accordingly, the preferred angles 111 and 112 between the sides of theprotrusion 107 and the upper surface 108 of the first clamping body 102,as shown in FIG. 28, is preferably approximately 135 degrees. Theprotrusion 107 has a correspondingly shaped cavity 113, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 28. The elongated slot 109 is disposed in an outer surface114 of the protrusion 107 to access the cavity 113 and through which thefastener 110 rides, as shown in FIG. 19.

The fastener 110 is substantially identical to the fastener 13 describedwith respect to the first exemplary embodiment. A first retaining groove115 in the hex head portion of the fastener, as shown in FIG. 19. Thefastener 110 can also have a second retaining groove 116 in theunthreaded portion of the shank, as shown in FIG. 19. The fastener 110preferably has a counter bore hole 117 in the hex head that facilitates,in addition to the retaining groove 115, the breaking off of the topportion 118 of the fastener 110, as shown in FIG. 19. The two-stage head119 of the fastener 110 allows the top portion 118 to break away fromthe lower portion 120 during installation.

A first retainer 121 is disposed in the first retaining groove 115 toprevent the tool, such as a wrench or socket, from making contact withthe second stage 120 of the two stage head 119. The top portion 118 isthe one that is designed to break off at a pre-determined torque. Thepre-determined torque is required to apply the correct amount ofpressure to the conductors. When the pre-determined torque is obtained,the top portion 118 of the fastener 110 breaks off, thereby preventingtoo much pressure from being exerted on the conductors 26 and 27 (FIGS.1 and 2). The second stage 120 of the fastener 110 is for removing thespacer assembly 101 when required. The shank retainer 122 disposed inthe second retaining groove 116 prevents the fastener 110 fromseparating from the cavity 113, as shown in FIG. 19. A flat washer 123is installed between the two stage head 119 and the upper surface 114 ofthe isosceles trapezoid prism-shaped protrusion 107. The end of thefastener 110 has a thread 124 corresponding to a fastener opening 125 inthe second clamping body 103, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

A second clamping body 103 has a first conductor receiving portion 126disposed at an end of a connecting arm 127. The other end of theconnecting arm 127 has a second conductor receiving portion 128. Thesecond clamping body 103 has a mounting post 129 extending outwardlyfrom an upper surface 130 of the connecting arm 127, as shown in FIGS.18 and 23. The threaded fastener opening 125 extends from a free end 131of the mounting post 129 to a lower surface 132 of the connecting arm127, as shown in FIG. 23. Preferably, an angle 133 of approximately 45degrees is formed between the mounting post 129 and the upper surface130 of the connecting arm 127 of the second clamping body 103. Themounting post 129 is receiving within the cavity 129 of the protrusion107 when the second clamping body 103 is connected to the first clampingbody 102, as shown in FIG. 19.

The conductor receiving portions 126 and 128 of the second clamping body103 are preferably substantially C-shaped and extend in oppositedirections from the connecting arm 127, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23. Asshown in FIG. 20, the first conductor receiving portion 126 extendsdownwardly from the connecting arm 127 and the second conductorreceiving portion 128 extends upwardly therefrom. Inner surfaces 155 and156 of the conductor receiving portions 126 and 128 preferably face thesame direction, e.g., to the right as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23.

The first clamping body 102 has a pair of tabs 134 and 135 extendingdownwardly from a lower surface 136 of the connecting arm 104, as shownin FIG. 29. The second clamping body 103 has a pair of tabs 137 and 138extending upwardly from the upper surface 130 of the connecting arm 127,as shown in FIG. 24. Preferably, each of the tabs 134, 135, 137 and 138is substantially identical. As an example, tab 137, as shown in FIG. 30,is preferably substantially C-shaped. A first leg 139 extends upwardlyfrom the upper surface 130 of the connecting arm 127 of the secondclamping body 103. A second leg 140 extends inwardly and substantiallyperpendicularly from the first leg 139 to form a groove 141 between thesecond leg 140 and the upper surface 130 of the connecting arm 127 ofthe second clamping body 103.

A pair of recesses 141 and 142 are formed in the connecting arm 104, asshown in FIGS. 16-18. The recesses 141 and 142 are preferably formed onan opposite side of the connecting arm 104 from the tabs 134 and 135, asshown in FIGS. 27 and 29. Shoulders 145 and 146 are formed in eachrecess 141 and 142. Slots or cut-outs 143 and 144 are formed in eachshoulder 145 and 146, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 27, to allow the tabs 137and 138 of the second clamping member 103 to pass through the cut-outs145 and 146 and slide along the shoulders 145 and 146.

A pair of recesses 147 and 148 are formed in the connecting arm 127 ofthe second clamping body 103, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 31. The recesses147 and 148 are preferably formed on an opposite side of the connectingarm 127 from the tabs 137 and 138. Shoulders 149 and 150 are formed ineach recess 147 and 148. Cut-outs 151 and 152 are formed in eachshoulder 149 and 150 to allow the tabs 134 and 135 of the first clampingbody 102 to pass through the cut-outs 151 and 152 and slide along theshoulders 149 and 150.

The inner surface 153 of the first conductor receiving portion 105 ofthe first clamping body 102 has a boss 164 extending outwardlytherefrom, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 28. The boss 164 is preferablysubstantially centered on the inner surface 153 of the first conductorreceiving portion 105, as shown in FIG. 26. First and second tabs 165and 166 extend outwardly from the inner surface 153, as shown in FIGS.25, 26 and 28. The inner surface 154 of the second conductor receivingportion 106 of the first clamping body 102 has a boss 167 extendingoutwardly therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 28. The boss 167 ispreferably substantially centered on the inner surface 154 of the secondconductor receiving portion 106, as shown in FIG. 26. First and secondtabs 168 and 169 extend outwardly from the inner surface 154, as shownin FIGS. 25, 26 and 28. The bosses 164 and 167 and tabs 165, 166, 168and 169 facilitate receiving grommets 157.

The inner surface 155 of the first conductor receiving portion 126 ofthe second clamping body 103 has a boss 170 extending outwardlytherefrom, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The boss 170 is preferablysubstantially centered on the inner surface 155 of the first conductorreceiving portion 126, as shown in FIG. 21. First and second tabs 171and 172 extend outwardly from the inner surface 153, as shown in FIGS.20 and 21. The inner surface 156 of the second conductor receivingportion 128 of the second clamping body 103 has a boss 173 extendingoutwardly therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The boss 173 ispreferably substantially centered on the inner surface 156 of the secondconductor receiving portion 128, as shown in FIG. 21. First and secondtabs 174 and 175 extend outwardly from the inner surface 156, as shownin FIGS. 20, 21 and 23. The bosses 170 and 173 and tabs 171, 172, 174and 175 facilitate receiving grommets 157.

A grommet 157 has an inner surface 158 and an outer surface 159, asshown in FIG. 18. Preferably, the inner surface 158 has a plurality ofribs 160 to facilitate receiving a conductor. The grommet has an upperrecess 161 and a lower recess 162 for receiving tabs disposed on theinner surfaces of the conductor receiving portions of the first andsecond clamping bodies 102 and 103. A central recess 163 in the outersurface 159 receives a boss on an inner surface of the conductorreceiving portions. Preferably, the grommet 157 is substantiallyC-shaped such that connecting two grommets 157 together, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, forms a cylindrical member having an opening 176 and177, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 therethrough to receive a conductor.

To assemble the spacer assembly 101, a grommet 157 is disposed in eachconductor receiving portion 105, 106, 126 and 128, as shown in FIG. 16.The central recess 163 in the outer surface 159 of each grommet 157 isreceived by the bosses 164, 167, 170 and 173 of each conductor receivingportion, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19. The upper and lower recesses 161and 162 of each grommet 157 receive the upper and lower tabs of eachconductor receiving portion to further facilitate securing the grommetsto the clamping bodies 102 and 103, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19. Anadhesive can be used to further secure the grommets 157 to the first andsecond clamping bodies 102 and 103.

The clamping bodies 102 and 103 are brought together such that the tabs137 and 138 of the second clamping body pass through the slots 143 and144 in the first clamping body 102 and the tabs 134 and 135 of the firstclamping body 102 pass through the slots 151 and 152 of the secondclamping body 103. The shoulders of the first and second clamping bodiesare received in the grooves 141 of the tabs 134, 135, 137 and 138, suchthat the first and second clamping bodies 102 and 103 can slide withrespect to one another. The mounting post 129 of the second clampingbody 103 is received in the cavity 113 of the protrusion 107 of thefirst clamping body 102. The fastener 110 is passed through theelongated slot 109 in the protrusion 107 of the first clamping body 102such that the threads thereof are received by the opening 125 in themounting post 129. The second retainer 122 is disposed on the shaft ofthe fastener 110 after the fastener is passed through the elongated slot109. The washer 122 prevents the fastener 110 from being withdrawnthrough the elongated slot 109.

When the spacer assembly 101 is assembled, the corresponding conductorreceiving portions 105 and 126, and 106 and 128 can be moved toward oraway from one another by tightening or loosening the fastener 110. Whenthe fastener 110 is tightened to close the spacer assembly 101, thefastener 110 is positioned at the top of the elongated slot 109, asshown in FIGS. 17 and 19. When the fastener 110 is loosened from theclosed position of FIGS. 17 and 19, the fastener 110 travels to thebottom of the elongated slot 109, as shown in FIG. 18. The angles 111and 112 of the protrusion 107 determine the travel of the fastener 110,as shown in FIG. 28. A smaller angle 111 and 112 increases the travellength of the fastener 110 with respect to a larger angle.

When the spacer assembly 101 is moved to the closed position from theopen position, the fastener 110 is tightened. The fastener 110 isthreaded further into the opening 125 in the mounting post 129, therebycausing the fastener to move down toward the bottom of the elongatedslot 109. Accordingly, the clamping bodies 102 and 103 move toward oneanother, such that the corresponding conductor receiving portions 105and 126, and 106 and 128 engage one another, as shown in FIGS. 17 and19. The corresponding grommets 157 engage one another to form conductoropenings 176 and 177. The ribs 160 on the inner surfaces 158 facilitatesecurely retaining the conductors therein. The first retainer 121 on thefastener prevents the installation tool from engaging the lower portion120 of the fastener. When the predetermined torque is obtained, theupper portion 118 of the fastener 110 separates from the lower portion120, thereby preventing excess pressure from being exerted on thereceived conductors 26 and 27 (FIG. 1). The lower portion 120 of thefastener 110 allows the installation tool to loosen the fastener 110when the spacer assembly 101 is to be opened. Loosening the fastener 110moves the fastener up through the elongated slot 109 to an upper endthereof, as shown in FIG. 16.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are notto be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Thedescription of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention isintended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the presentinvention. Various modifications, alternatives and variations will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to fallwithin the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spacer assembly, comprising: a first clampingbody having a first conductor receiving portion, an upper surface, aprotrusion extending from the upper surface, and a first slot formed inthe protrusion having an elongated opening that extends in a firstdirection; a second clamping body having a second conductor receivingportion aligned with the first conductor receiving portion, and athreaded opening; and a fastener extending through the first slot in anaxial direction different than the first direction and threadablyengaging the threaded opening, wherein rotation of the fastener when itis threadably engaged with the threaded opening moves the first clampingbody relative to the second clamping body, adjusting the position of thefastener in the elongated opening, wherein the protrusion is anisosceles trapezoid in cross section.
 2. The spacer assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein a tab extends outwardly from the first clampingbody; and a second slot extends longitudinally in the second clampingbody, the second slot receiving the tab to further secure the firstclamping body to the second clamping body.
 3. The spacer assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein a first tab extends outwardly from thefirst clamping body; a first shoulder extends longitudinally on thesecond clamping body, the first shoulder receiving the first tab tofurther secure the first clamping body to the second clamping body. 4.The spacer assembly according to claim 3, wherein a second tab extendsoutwardly from the second clamping body; a second shoulder extendslongitudinally on the first clamping body, the second shoulder receivingthe second tab to further secure the first clamping body to the secondclamping body.
 5. The spacer assembly according to claim 1, wherein theprotrusion tapers from the upper surface to a top portion.
 6. The spacerassembly according to claim 1, wherein a head portion of the fastenerhas an outer portion and an inner portion, said outer portion beingseparable from said inner portion when a predetermined torque isobtained during installation.
 7. The spacer assembly according to claim1, wherein a washer disposed on the fastener prevents removal of thefastener from said first slot in the first clamping body.
 8. The spacerassembly according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor receivingportion and the second conductor receiving portion form a first cavityto receive a first conductor when the first clamping body and the secondclamping body are connected and a grommet is positioned in the firstcavity.
 9. A spacer assembly, comprising: a first clamping body having atapered protrusion extending upwardly from the first clamping body, afirst slot is an elongated slot formed in the tapered protrusion, and apin extending from the first clamping body; a second clamping bodyhaving a threaded opening and a second slot for receiving the pin; and athreaded fastener received by the first slot and the threaded opening tosecure the first clamping body to the second clamping body such thatrotation of the threaded fastener when it is threadably engaged with thethreaded opening moves the first clamping body relative to the secondclamping body, altering a position of the threaded fastener in the firstslot and a position of the pin in the second slot wherein the secondslot includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portionincluding a circumferential hole having a diameter larger than the firstportion.
 10. The spacer assembly according to claim 9, wherein thetapered protrusion is an isosceles trapezoid in cross section.
 11. Thespacer assembly according to claim 9, wherein the pin includes a shankhaving a first diameter and a head having a second diameter larger thanthe first diameter.
 12. The spacer assembly according to claim 9,wherein a washer disposed on the threaded fastener prevents removal ofthe threaded fastener from said first slot in the first clamping body.13. The spacer assembly according to claim 9, wherein a first conductorreceiving portion extends downwardly from a first end of the firstclamping body; a second conductor receiving portion extends upwardlyfrom a second end of the first clamping body; a third conductorreceiving portion extends downwardly from a first end of the secondclamping body; a fourth conductor receiving portion extends upwardlyfrom a second end of the second clamping body; the first conductorreceiving portion and the third conductor receiving portion forming afirst cavity to receive a first conductor and the first conductorreceiving portion and the third conductor receiving portion forming asecond cavity to receive a second conductor when the first clamping bodyand the second clamping body are connected.
 14. A spacer assembly,comprising: a first clamping body having a first conductor receivingportion, a first protrusion extending from an upper surface and at leastpartially defining a cavity, and a slot formed in the protrusion; asecond clamping body having a second conductor receiving portion alignedwith the first conductor receiving portion, a second protrusionextending from the second clamping body into the cavity, and a threadedopening formed in the second protrusion; and a fastener extendingthrough the slot and threadably engaging the threaded opening, whereinrotation of the fastener when it is threadably engaged with the threadedopening moves the first clamping body relative to the second clampingbody.
 15. The spacer assembly according to claim 14, wherein the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion taper in a first direction.
 16. Thespacer assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first protrusionincludes a first sidewall extending from the upper surface at an obliqueangle and the slot is formed in the first sidewall.
 17. The spacerassembly according to claim 16, wherein the second protrusion includes asecond sidewall extending from the second clamping body at an obliqueangle and the threaded opening is formed in the second sidewall.
 18. Thespacer assembly according to claim 14, wherein rotating the fastener ina first direction moves the first clamping body toward the secondclamping body and rotating the fastener in a second direction moves thefirst clamping body away from the second clamping body.